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There is MORE!

Recently my husband and I were visiting a church service on the east coast. The pastor full of Pentecostal energy shared vigorously from Psalm 136. Twenty-six times the Psalmist declares “His mercy endures forever.” Oh it does! God’s mercy is unending. Matchless in every way, it can be seen from the beginning of mankind’s existence and has no vanishing point in the future. Within the 15 minutes of sharing, the pastor repeated the blessing of God’s mercy, then “In closing…” He said, “His mercy endures forever.” As the folks stood to leave, preparing for the cold trek home to the roast in the Crockpot, I wanted so BADLY to stand to my feet and yell, “Tell them!” (All eyes on the crazy visitor lady in the back.) There’s more! His mercy is incredibly amazing, but there’s more! “His mercy endures forever.” Pastor! Don’t stop here!

Tell them that the Hebrew language is full of imagery, YES mercy! But there is more. Just like there is ‘sunrise’ with just a glimpse of light peeking over the horizon, then there is SUNRISE with colors so vibrant you stare in unbelief at the magnitude of the brilliance of His creation. Colors spilling over each other as it dances across the sky in tones that if we are still enough it could be heard. Today we were just …peeking.

His mercy endures forever. Mercy, is Hesed.

Scholars find it extremely difficult to translate ‘hesed’ (Hebrew) into English, because there really is not an equivalent word. One commentary says, “It is difficult, if not impossible to precisely convey the full meaning of the term with just one English word or phrase.” The King James Version alone uses 15 different words in attempt to express its meaning in each context. Words such as lovingkindness, steadfast love, loyal love, kindness, faithful love, mercy and yes, grace. Grace. God’s mercy is withholding what we do deserve, where His grace is giving us what we do not. One hand pushes forward in giving, while the other holds back in restraint. THAT is our God! Because of His love for us, His commitment to covenant, His value of relationship, our God interacts with us with hesed. It is deep, wide and continuing.

Jonah knew God’s hesed, saying to the Lord, “O LORD, is this not what I said when I was still at home? That is why I was so quick to flee to Tarshish. I knew that You are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love (hesed), a God who relents from sending calamity.” (Jonah 4:2) Ok, maybe Jonah needed an attitude adjustment, (Thus the large fish story) but he knew, he understood, experienced and observed God and how He operates within His love and mercy.

I echo Paul’s words “But by the grace of God I am what I am…” (1 Cor 15:10) Yes indeed, it is worthy of repeated twenty-six verses, “His mercy endures forever.” His lovingkindness, faithfulness and His grace. It is enough to make us bow our head, eyes closed with groanings that cannot be uttered!

Standing in the magnitude of His brilliance sunrise glow!

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” – Heb. 10:24)

Posted by Inspired Fountain | December 19, 2016 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: God's mercy and grace, hesed | Leave a comment

Christmas Peace

Christmas. Just the word alone brings a soft glow to the soul. Warm crackling fires, hot chocolate and watching Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey yelling “Mary!” as he runs through the old drafty house. A peaceful experience. Peace.

Christmas peace, Luke 2:14, when the angels appear to the shepherds: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6) Peace had come to earth.

Biblical peace (in the Greek) is ‘to set at one again,’ think about the picture it paints. Something that has once been erected has toppled over. Chaos, strife, irritation, unrest even war are the results. Once it is set back, PEACE is the result; all is in its rightful place. Remember Adam and Eve sinning in the garden? (Thanks guys!) The original design, ‘God and man’ had been ‘toppled over.’ Gone were the daily walks together in the garden. Jesus came, setting things back in the right place, God and man in right relationship. “The Word became flesh (Jesus) and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, Who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 (emphasis mine) It may not be the Garden, but God again walking with us. Emmanuel, oh the ‘with us’ of God! Jesus, peace on earth. Peace is a Person.

One of my favorite Christmas carols, “Hark the herald angels sing “Glory to the newborn King! Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled.” After 400 years, the angels break the silence with the spectacular news. Such theology dripping from this song: Jesus, Peace, God back on earth, setting things right again. God and sinners reconciled.

Peace is not only a Person, but a position. “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace …for through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.” (Ephesians 2) We are now back where we were originally designed to be, full access to God, able to come into His presence. Paul declares this point, “Since we have been justified through faith we have PEACE with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1) Peace is position

Because of our sinful nature and our perpetual continuing to do so, John strongly declares “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) Interestingly, this was written to CHRISTIANS, yup, you and me. As we confess, we are saying the same thing about our situation that God does. We are now in full agreement; we realign with what God says. To stop doing something we have to start doing something else. I don’t stop standing, until I START walking. In this process, we are taking what was ‘toppled over’ returning to the original design and bringing Jesus back to His rightful peaceful place. We mess up, we get cleaned up. Peace restored. Peace is a process.

The increase of peace accompanies the increase of Christ’s governing power over our lives. Remember Isaiah 9:6, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders…” Now consider Colossians 3:15 “Let the peace of Christ RULE in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” If I want peace in my heart, do I allow Jesus to RULE in my heart? He is King, yes indeed, but do I bow to Him as … King. Does my life behavior reflect my heart condition (or my words) declaring Him as King? Does He take the rightful place on the throne of my life? Here’s a dandy thought: We will know peace to the degree that we bow to Jesus’ authority. It is NOT about peaceful circumstances, it’s about the APPLIED authority of Christ. Peace is a posture, a bowed, get OFF the throne, posture.

This Christmas as we sing and sway with the Hoo’s in Hooville, rip open the gifts under the tree, and read PEACE across our Christmas cards, may we pause and consider whole heartedly, the Person, position, process and posture of peace. Yes, Peace had indeed come to earth, and He is KING.

In Him, Blessed Christmas from our heart & home, DeDe & Mark (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds” ~ Heb. 10:24)

Posted by Inspired Fountain | December 12, 2016 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: Christimas devotional, Christmas peace, Peace of God | Leave a comment

Christmas Warrior King

Thirty-seven years ago this month on December 21, as a teenager, I walked from my house to the pastors house. I sat on the white carpeted floor while praying with Brenda the pastor’s wife, giving my heart, life and dreams to Jesus. As I walked home, the shiny colored bulb lights and the nativity scene in the neighbor’s yard now meant so much MORE. Mighty God.

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given and the government shall be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah. 9:6)

Christmas, the birth of Jesus. This verse is sung in carols, beautifully gold leafed across our Christmas cards, even quoted by those who don’t have a clue WHO Jesus is. But have we really considered the fact that THE Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace was … given … to … US! ‘For unto us…‘ That is YOU and me. Not just the shepherds watching their flocks by night, or the wise guys carrying royalty endowed gifts. Mighty God. At first glance we would assume it is just a two word religious name used to describe just how big God is. BIG He is. Yet this is NOT the intent of this prophetic narrative.

Sadly, many in society today see Jesus as weak, the man in a white robe knocking on a door. For some, they leave Jesus in the manger as a swaddled babe, meek and mild with a hovering halo above His head. Mighty God.

Mighty in the Hebrew (gibbor) renders a militant theme. STRONG, BRAVE, VALIANT, that of a successful RULER. (Emphasis made to express the magnitude of the word) In the context of battle, ‘gibbor’ is better understood as a category of warriors, ‘Gibbor’ is the proven warrior. Let that settle on us. It can even be translated as HERO! Boy doesn’t this culture need a ‘hero’ with hand raising allegiance!

If we could take the same energy found at a pro basketball game: As the star player runs down the court, his name yelled from all corners of the arena, taking a few steps he launches himself up, releasing the ball! Swish! The place goes wild! The score board changes to victory! Taking THAT energy, awe provoked praise and that allegiance, the same worship and spend it on JESUS, the One declared … WORTHY. Can you imagine. WOW! Take THAT opposing team! Mighty God.

The culture of Isaiah’s day, as found in the Semitic language was also seen in word picture imagery as ‘to rise, strong or prevailing.’ What a wonderful picture, the Warrior-King arising. Psalm 68:1 “Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered, and let those who hate Him flee before Him.” Here the picture is God rising up with all power & authority. This is very serious and something to be feared. Remember Jesus and His guys in a boat, the violent storm, Jesus stands up. I say “Go God!” Stand UP … look out!” Now THAT would be an arena Hero experience! Mighty God.

HOWEVER, with all this ‘mighty’ strength and warrior muscle bearing, there is gentleness. “The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty (gibbor) to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17) Interesting, the word translated here for quiet means ‘engrave.’ While God is flexing His muscles with power & authority to save you, He engraves His love on you.’ Mighty God.

King David poetically declared, “O LORD my God, You have performed many wonders for us. Your plans for us are too numerous to list. You have no equal. If I tried to recite all Your wonderful deeds, I would never come to the end of them.” – Psalm 40:5

Christmas, celebrating the birth of Jesus, do we render a nod of the head only to the babe in the manger, or see Him as He is: Strong, brave, risen, successful ruler, our proven Warrior King. Mighty God.

“The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” – John 1:14 (The arena goes wild! The score board changes to VICTORY!)

May we declare like King David, “You have no equal.”

“For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given …”

In Him, DeDe (‘Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds’ -Heb.10:24)

Posted by Inspired Fountain | December 6, 2016 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: Christmas Devotional, Isaiah 9:6, Mighty God, Unto us a child is given | Leave a comment

Re-Staking Our Boundaries (Self-Control)

Scrabble pieces mounded and spread across the center of the tables at bible study, continuing our study of the fruit of the Spirit, the gals were asked, working as individuals or as a team how would YOU spell self-control. Encouraging them to consider, think and ponder if narrowed down to one word, “What it is to walk in self-control?”

Paul writes to Titus his son in the faith, giving him the character guidelines of an elder, “He must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.” (Tit. 1:8 ) The word he uses for self-controlled is ‘sophron’ it is a compound word, starting with ‘sozo’ which means sound, safe, healthy and ‘phren’ which is ‘inner outlook’ which regulates outward behavior. It is having a solid-sound inner perspective which affects our acted out choices, basically it is having our outside properly reflect our inside, if it doesn’t we are out of balance, out of control.

Here’s the fun part, it is the word we get ‘diaphragm’, the inner organ that regulates controlled breathing and ultimately the heart beat. A great example would be an opera singer, who through years of practice and discipline learns to control the length (quality) of their tones. With effort, and concentration they bring from the depth of their gut (if you will) a song. So we the listener can see their passionate movements and hear the resonating tones from within. Ultimately it is a ‘balanced’ skill, properly controlling the sound.

Biblical self-control (sophrone) is learning the discipline and practice of balance, our actions reflecting a solid-sound inner perspective, conviction, values and goals. However, it is GOD that defines the solid-inner perspective stuff, we don’t get to run off belting out our own sound. This balancing skill is not “one-size-fits-all” because we are all different, what I need to help regulate my walk with Jesus, may be different from you. How I stake out my boundaries lines are shaped distinctly for me. Yet we all have the same regulating ‘organ,’ it is the Holy Spirit. Discipline takes us to the place of yielding, seeing and acting according to Holy Spirits guidance.

Proverbs 28:25 “Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.” Paints a very vivid picture doesn’t it, a city is only as secure as its walls. We are only as secure as the boundaries we set, the staked out guidelines. With no secure walls we are vulnerable, so vulnerable. We are called to master self to the degree of caution and guard. Remember God

gave us free will, we are NOT puppets. Even in our freedom, we are still called to walk a balanced life, a holy life.

Temperance is another word used for self-control which means curbing one’s desires and impulses. How do we curb these desires? How do we guard and set guidelines, how do we regulate, use self-control in areas that we know are weak and make our walls weak. Whether that is curbing our desires for food, or reigning in our physical appetites, or controlling our tongue which is indeed one of the hardest to manage. James speaks of it (chapter 3) as a large ship being controlled by a small lil rudder. Self-control not only means to discipline, but to correct, correct in the sense as to change course. It is the decision to remain within the boundaries. If we find ourselves outside of those boundaries, we change course! James also likens control of the tongue with the bit in a horse’s mouth, “Whoa Nelly!”

Most of our struggle starts in our thought life, if only we can learn to allow our minds to be transformed (Ro. 12:1-2) and pull thoughts into captivity, “We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ.” 2 Cor 10:5 (MSG)

Self-control is the goal of finding and maintaining a balance between obsession and neglect. Within these two extremes we find a comfortable fit for where, who, why, what and how we give our attention, again Holy Spirit holds the permission slip for all these. We do this through guarded guidelines which point us to either abstinence (none at all, no way, not going there) or moderation, having the ability to say, “That’s enough …for now.”

Our boundaries often are defined and kept by the questions we ask, ‘Do I really want that? Do I really need that? Can I afford it? Is that good for me? Will it hurt? Will this get me in trouble? (My go to question) These are all appropriate and good, but what of the questions God asks?

Genesis chapter 3: Adam & Eve are in the Garden, they just had the conversation with the Serpent, and chose to eat the fruit (oops) God comes, and asks “Where are you?” God knew very well where Adam was, the question was for Adam. God wants him to acknowledge where he is and why he is there. “What has sin done to me …why am I running away from Him? Why am I hiding? Maybe God too is asking US… where are you? The next verse, Adam told God he was afraid and was naked. God asks “Who told you that you were naked?” What form of disobedience got you to this point? (They ate from the forbidden tree – Knowledge of Good & evil) We could go further back … Who were you spending time with? (the crafty serpent) “Who were you talking to?”

Genesis 16: Hagar & Sarah didn’t get along, (to say the least) Hagar runs away. God sees her, saying, “From where have you come, and where are you going?” “Where are you going? Ever taken off in one direction (impulsively) emotions being the driving force? God may ask ‘Where are you going… and why?

Still in Genesis, chapter 32, Jacob wrestled with God throughout the night and wouldn’t give up until God blessed him. So God asks the question ‘What is your name?’ Of course God knew Jacob’s name but He asked the question to get Jacob to say who he was. Jacob means ‘deceiver’ – But God has something more for him. God changes his name from Jacob to Israel – from ‘Deceiver’ to Prince of God. A change of name is an outward sign of the inward change. (Abram to Abraham, Sarai to Sarah, Saul to Paul, and Simon to Peter)

If God asked us RIGHT NOW, in our current circumstance “What is your name?” How would we answer? I am Weak, I am Tempted … Sad… Doubtful or Discouraged’ or could it even be ‘BUSTED!’ He wants to change our name.

Exodus 4: Moses is at the burning bush, God just told him to go to Egypt and demand Pharaoh let the Hebrews go. Moses said, “What if they will not believe me or listen to what I say? God asks, What is that in your hand? God knew what he was holding, (a staff) God uses that staff mightily! On the same note, if God were to ask us right now, “What is that in your hand?” What would He find? Is it something we need? Is it something God can use? Is it something God would approve of? Self-control is the decision to remain within the boundaries. Are we careful of what is in our hands?

1 Kings 19: Elijah had just witness the great show down at Mt Carmel, he against the 850 false prophets, their ‘god’ (lil ‘g’) didn’t show up, he had them douse the altar of the Lord with a lot of water, he prayed and God sent fire down and burned up EVERYTHING, water and all, then had all the false prophets killed. Well King Ahab told his wife Jezebel (not a super feminine, soft gal) what Elijah had done, she sent a messenger telling him he too would die, so Elijah ran. God found him in a cave, he asks “What are you doing here?” Have we too ever heard God asking ‘What are you doing here?” Are we in the right place, a God-honoring place?

Jesus. Jesus asks Peter, “Who do you say I am? (Mk 8:29) and “Do you love Me?” (Jn 21:15) These go without mentioning more. Who do WE say Jesus is, do we love Him, evident in word & deed?

Psalm 1:1-2 “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD…” Blessed is the man who does not walk – stand – or sit. See the progression? Walk-stand and sit. It goes from casual to intimate sitting. Folks, there WILL be times we need to just ‘walk on by’ or walk away’ and not walk WITH, or in, no standing, and for crying out loud …NO sitting! If we see the ‘opportunity’ for some walking, standing and sitting, R-U-N! (away) Run to God, if you need a physical refuge, run to a godly friend! Always (again ‘always’) have an accountability buddy, someone you trust, trust the God in them and trust they will grab you by the ear and (lovingly) haul your back side back over within your staked boundaries.

Make a plan, get those boundary stakes set NOW and stick to it: Prior disciplines prepare us for present dilemmas. Genesis 14 (I paraphrase) A bunch of kings fight another bunch of kings – in the battle Abrams nephew Lot was taken captive, (he lived in Sodom) Abe pursues the captors, recovers all the plunder and rescues all the people. The King of Sodom comes to Abe asking for his people and telling Abram he can keep all the plunder. Abram knew the reputation of Sodom. (I love Abes resolve) v22, Abram answers, “I have raised my hand to the Lord God Most High, Creator of Heaven & earth and have taken an oath that I will accept NOTHING belonging to you.” Abram ‘raised his hand’ and took an oath PRIOR to this happening. He set his boundaries. He was prepared. The following verse, chapter 15:1 “After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram, do not be afraid Abram, I am your shield, your very great reward.” God rewarded Abraham with Himself – HE was Abes reward. May we too hear of God, “I am your great reward”

The list is vast, yet Paul wraps up the qualities evident of the Holy Spirit moving in and through our lives with self-control, (Gal. 5:22,23) so very appropriate: Our outside properly reflecting our inside.

Do we need to pause and listen to the questions God may be asking us? Do those questions require us to go quickly, change course and re-stake our boundaries. Once the boundaries are set, we stay put. As my dear friend and pastor, Pam said, “We don’t color outside the lines.” May we too bring from the depth of our gut a song, a song full of balanced breathing, so others see our passion and hear the resonating tones of Jesus from within. Self-Control.

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” – Heb. 10:24)

Posted by Inspired Fountain | November 17, 2016 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: Fruit of the Spirit Self-Control, How to walk in Self-Control, Self-Control | Leave a comment

Gentleness, A Harnessed Heart

Bible study: The ladies come to their tables to find a variety of material swathes of wool, velvet, satin, flannel, lace and burlap and others. They were asked to consider which material best describes them, spiritually and personality wise. As the gals ran their fingers across the flannel print and the white cotton, they expressed warmth and softness, a bold contrast to the rough burlap. This got us thinking about the ‘soft’ side of God.

Gentleness, the eighth listed fruit of the Spirit.

Some translations use humility (Setting aside any overblown sense of importance or self-righteousness) and meekness (Strength under control) in place of gentleness. Basically they are the same word in the original language. The Complete Word Study Dictionary of the NT defines gentleness as, “The inwrought grace of the soul.” Not just the inward grace of the soul, that it dwells there, but INWROUGHT. Inwrought is not a word we use much today, or use at all. But oh it has the most beautiful imagery. It is intricately woven material with a particular pattern. (Of fabric or woodwork, stonework and metal) It is the adding of another element, working it into the material, like beautiful delicate embroidery. To take this additional element out would leave holes, gaping holes.

Gentleness is the evidence of God’s grace worked into our soul, a life that yields to His loving presence, as it is intricately woven into our mind, will and emotions, yielded, giving way to govern our imagination, conscience, memory, reasoning and affections. The inwrought grace of the soul.

David wrote of God, “You give me Your shield of victory, and Your right hand sustains me; You stoop down to make me great.” Psalm 18:35 (emphasis mine) the word translated as ‘stoop down’ is ‘anwah’ (pronounced: ‘on-vaw’) in the Hebrew, it is also translated as gentleness and humility, referring to qualities of meekness. “You stoop down…” If God in all HIS majesty and authority and greatness ‘stoops down’ – shouldn’t we?

Paul wrote: “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently.” (Gal 6:1) Restore him … gently. May we too stoop down. Stoop down even when we have the ability to stand tall, stand strong, and stand over.

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Eph 4:2, (also emphasized in Col. 3:12, 1 Tim. 6:11) Peter wrote: “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15

Martin Luther said: “True followers of the Gospel must not be sharp and bitter, but gentle, mild, courteous, and soft-spoken, which should encourage others to seek their company. Gentleness can overlook other people’s faults and cover them up.” “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8

Ever known someone who is a bit prickly, they have some rough edges? Their words may come across as sharp. How do these rough spots become smooth and even soothing? It is the filling of the Holy Spirit. He has got to get to the depth of us. (I know grammatically that doesn’t sound good, but oh so true.) We need to allow Him to go to all the broken places in us. Penetrate and permeate in us! I know I am a HOT broken mess without Jesus. I know I am a work in progress, He working Himself into all of me, my thoughts, and my ever changing emotions. (I am WOMAN!) I NEED His Holy Spirit to come and soften my edges.

I know I need it, but do I always want it? Jesus speaks to this in John chapter 5. Remember the lame man at the healing pool, he had been coming to the pool for 38 years, and well here he still lies. Jesus comes, seeing him in this condition and asks him, “Do you want to get well?” What a ridiculous question! But is it? The man goes on to explain that “no one will help him…” (whine!) Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.” (v8,9) I find it interesting that Jesus directly told him to pick up ‘HIS’ mat, not just the mat (or reach for someone else’s mat) Pick up what you have been laying on all these years; pick up what has been YOUR comfort. Laying there is familiar; it’s what the lame man knew. Jesus telling him to pick up his mat, removing it encourages there are no relapses available, with no mat he can’t go back and lay down. And while you’re at it …get a move on… walk! How do I respond when Jesus asks me if I want a change, do I want healing, oh yes I may NEED one, but do I look around for excuses, do I look for what comforts me? Do I reach around and attempt to take what others have? Point to ponder.

Gentleness is giving a soft answer without anger. The Greek philosopher Aristotle said gentleness or meekness is that virtue that stands between two extremes, uncontrolled and unjustified anger (or QUICK ANGER) and not becoming angry at all no matter what takes place around you. What we may call a happy medium, right on balance, acting in righteousness. Paul said, “Don’t sin by letting anger control you.” (Eph 4:26) He didn’t say anger is a sin. Jesus was meek and gentle, and sinless, yet He did get angry, in a righteous way. (see John 2:14-16)

“Meekness is an active and deliberate acceptance of undesirable circumstances that are wisely seen by the individual as only part of a larger picture.”¹That is ‘wordy’ please read again. Basically it is humble submission to God’s will. YES, the ‘S’ word. Submission. God will not make us, He is gentle, a gentle teacher. Jesus says: “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” – Matt 11:28-30

When researching the yoke and the training of an ox, (Yes, there are MANY articles and websites for such a thing, really!) it stated: When fitting the ox with the yoke, it is BEST that the ox raise its head up into the yoke for the most comfortable and easy fit. This comes by time and trust, that the animal is willing to voluntarily lift their head to the master. If FORCED DOWN by the master, the fit could cause irritation, causing the ox to lean, favoring one side and not work at full potential. Yet another image that God COULD be strong and FORCEFUL, but He is not.

Bases for Training: Establish leadership quickly and firmly. Train regularly, maintain control. Be firm, insist on obedience. Be patient and understanding, being consistent in everything you ask. Once the ox chooses the harness: Teach ‘Turn right, Turn left,’ teaching Step In (step toward), and Step Out (step away) Work on giving animals a variety of tasks in a variety of environments. Wow, I am such an OX!

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” – God speaking, Isaiah 30:21.　　David says of God speaking to him, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.” – Psalm 32:8

I don’t know about you, but I want to be a trainee with a ‘harnessed heart’ rather than a hardened heart, knowing that what He is training me for now, will indeed benefit me and others tomorrow. Notice He says come to Me … and I will give you rest. Then He proceeds to talk about harnessing in for WORK! The rest is not from work, but IN our work. We need to allow God to train us – minister to us so He can minister THROUGH us, in gentleness.

“The LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.” God speaks to Elijah in a gentle whisper. (1 Kings 19:10-11) How many of us have been or are in what seems like earthquake – mountain splitting circumstances and wind so strong it will indeed knock us over, and we still can’t seem to see or hear God … just wait. Wait for the gentle whisper.

Walking in the influence of the Holy Spirit allows God the opportunity, permission, the invitation to continue to work His grace into us. May His intricately woven Presence create such a beautiful pattern of gentleness.

Ernest Hemingway said: “There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self.” Good-bye old mat. This ox is going for a walk, a yoked walk.

Side Note: We closed bible study with a large glass clear vase full of broken pieces of plates, emphasizing we are broken people. As God heals us up, we ‘will’ get broken again, using a rubber mallet I smashed another plate and added it to the vase. We could see all the pieces, with large gaps not making us whole. Taking oil, I poured it into the vase, the oil representing the Presence of God filling in, softening our edges and healing us. ‘WE” need to invite the continual pouring of His Spirit.

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” – Heb. 10:24)

¹Baker’s Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology, “Meekness

Posted by Inspired Fountain | November 10, 2016 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: gentleness, Gentleness the fruit of the Spirit | Leave a comment

Our Faith Response

When God tells us, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” (Jer. 29:11, Is 41:10, Jer 33:3) Beautiful, wonderful promises and soothing affirmation, BUT, do we believe it? Do we believe Him? We are called not only to believe IN God, but we are to BELIEVE God!

This week at bible study we looked at faithfulness, what it is and how to walk it out. First we determined that faith and faithfulness are not the same, the first precedes the latter. Faith is a firm persuasion, conviction, belief in the truth. Faith is the assurance in our heart and mind of what we hope for, the certainty of what we do not see. (Heb. 11:1) Though not directly in front of us, we visualize what God intends to do in a given situation and faithfulness is acting in harmony with it. It is not fantasy or pretending, it is taking what we know of God and applying HIM to our circumstance. Faith is the assurance that He is Who He says He is and will do what He promises to do.　 My actions convey that I truly …BELIEVE Him! I know that I know and it is evident.

Faith is our reception of God’s word. “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Ro. 10:17 Faithfulness is our response to His word. We live our life in such a way, clearly declaring a firm assurance, God is Who He said He is and will DO what He says He will do. Our walk of faith is lived out in faithful response. Faithfulness also carries the idea of trustworthy and of giving someone credit. Confidence in the person’s character and motives and the task we have entrusted to them. Do we trust God’s character and His motives?

Paul writes to Titus, exhorting him to teach good sound doctrine in the church, teaching the women, men, and slaves, “Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.” Titus 2:9,10 I like the rendering of verse 10 in the King James: “but showing all good fidelity” (track with me) this is the same word (fully trusted & fidelity) Paul uses in Galatians 5:22, for faithfulness.

Fidelity is faithfulness to a person, cause, or belief, being demonstrated by continual loyalty. I found it interesting that ‘fidelity’ is a term used in sound recording and reproduction. It denotes how accurately a copy reproduces its source, so accurate; it is as if you are THERE! How accurately a copy reproduces its source. If we are to walk this Christian journey in FAITH, how well are we representing our Source, God. Are we offering a true ‘sound’ (if you will) Does our choices, behavior, words resonate we believe God is Who He says He is, He will do what He promises He will do? Or are we distorting it. Distorting the sound? Like Paul wrote to Titus, are we behaving in such a way that we make the teaching of our God attractive, or are we turning others off or completely misrepresenting God and God stuff all together?

Sadly many feel that their ‘faith’ is a private thing. No, No it isn’t. Nowhere in the bible does it say or imply or even etched quietly in code that we are to tuck God in our back pocket, or leave Him as a bookmark in our bibles sitting on our night stands. We are called, commissioned, commanded to live and tell. Live our life in such a way, clearly declaring a firm assurance, God is Who He said He is and will DO what He says He will do.

In Hebrews 11 the author poetically describes the Hall of Faith, those who ‘By faith… offered, built, left, blessed, kept, marched and protected.” He continues on in verse 32 saying, “And what more shall I say, I don’t have time to tell about…” Listing those who “Through faith conquered kingdoms…whose weakness was turned to strength…” (v33,34) Who through faith conquered kingdoms, faith always goes through, may I encourage we always associate through with faith.

“But now, this is what the LORD says– He who created you, O Jacob, He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass THROUGH the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass THROUGH the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk THROUGH the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. 3 For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” Isaiah 43:1-3 (emphasis mine)

Notice He says ‘when’… not ‘if.’ We have to go through to get to the other side. Yes, that sounds so basic, common sense logic, but how many of us are going through something right now, whether a situation, or even a season. In the midst of it we are tired, discouraged and so very tempted to give up!

I am reminded of a story of a young Jewish man, who from early childhood learned to read and study the Jewish bible. He decided to pick up a copy of the King James Bible and began to read, Genesis 1:1, ‘In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (period) PERIOD! He was astounded. (Period) In the Hebrew Bible, it is read from right to left, with no verse or paragraph breaks. For him to find a ‘period’ caused him great distress, “There is MORE.” We can’t stop here! Hebrew thought is you read until God’s thought is complete. In this instance, you would read until God rested on the 7th day.

God wants this of us too; when we are going ‘through’ don’t stop! He has something for us, there is purpose in it. Keep going until God’s thoughts are completed. In our weakness, as we go through, we are stretched, strengthened, we grow in faith, we learn to trust God’s character and His motive.

I was taken to John chapter 4, how going through changed the life of a woman, a village and the disciples, even the church. This is the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman.

“He (Jesus) left Judea and went back once more to Galilee. Now He had to go through Samaria.” (v3,4)

Interesting in the original language it says, “It was necessary” for Him to go through Samaria. It was needed of Jesus to go THROUGH. There were other ways to get to Galilee. The most devout of Jews avoided Samaria. The Samaritans were considered half breeds. Centuries prior, that territory was taken over by the Assyrians, the Jews left there inter-married. They established their own church and teaching.

“Jesus, tired from the long walk, sat wearily beside the well about the 6th hour (noontime) when a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give Me a drink?” (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) The Samaritan woman said to Him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (vs 6-9)

The woman came to the well at the hottest part of the day, instead of morning/evening as was the custom, it was probably because she was shunned and rejected for her immoral lifestyle. She went to avoid, we might say she ‘snuck’ to the water. Jesus knew her history but still engaged her. In this encounter Jesus broke 3 Jewish customs. 1st) He spoke to a woman, 2nd) she was a SAMARITAN woman and 3rd) He asked her to get Him a drink that would make Him ceremonially unclean from using HER cup or jar.

Through the conversation, Jesus reveals He knew about her ‘home’ life (married 5 times and the guy she was with was not her husband) this amazed her. They continue an in-depth conversation, soon the disciples return, the gal leaves and goes into town and tells them about Jesus, the town folks come and urged Jesus to stay, He stayed 2 days, they believed He was Who He said He was, (verse 43) “We know that this man really is the Savior of the World.”

Principle for us, God will do the unexpected, engage us, revealing to us who we really are, even in our attempt to avoid. In the ‘through’ He will help us learn His acceptance, His presence and Who He is.

For a territory that was once ‘DON’T GO THERE’ Jesus says, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) We see later in Acts 8:4-25, Philip went to Samaria, as the word spread that folks believed and were being baptized, Peter and John too went to Samaria.

Looking at four different scenarios of faith

Great faith: (Matthew 8:5-13) Jesus is in Capernaum, a Centurion (a captain over 100 or so men) came up to Him, stating, his servant is at home paralyzed and suffering. Jesus says, “I will go and heal him.” The captain says, “No need, just say the word and he will be healed.” Jesus responds that He had not found anyone with such great faith. He tells the captain, ‘GO! It will be done just as you believed it would.” The servant was healed! Great Faith! “Just say the word!”

Next, Gutsy Faith: (Mark 5) this is the story of the gal with bleeding issue, she had suffered for twelve years, been to doctors with no results, it says she even got worse. With the bleeding issue, according to Jewish custom she was ‘unclean’ and should have stayed on the outskirts of the crowd, if anyone came towards her or close to her, she was supposed to declare ‘UNCLEAN!’ – but she didn’t, she had heard about Jesus. She not only goes into the crowd, she reaches out and touches the hem of Jesus’ robe.

Interesting, the word used to describe, ‘touched’ (in the Greek) refers to such handling of the material as to ‘modify’ it. Meaning it wasn’t a flippant swipe of her hand, she GRABBED that hem so tight, she may have left her hand print on it. (Verse 28) She came up behind Jesus touched His cloak; she thought “IF I just touch His clothes I will be healed.” Jesus asks who touched Him; the gal comes forward and tells Him everything. Jesus responds: “Daughter, your faith has healed you…”

Another, Little Faith: (Matt 8:23) Jesus had taught all day, as the crowd closes in, He steps into a boat, we pick up later in the evening. With the disciples, He tells them “Let us go to the other side.” Out on the water, without warning a storm came up, the waves were terrible, coming up into the boat. Jesus was asleep, the disciples cry out to Him, “HELP! Lord save us, we’re going to drown.” Jesus responds, “You of little faith, why are you afraid!” He got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and they obeyed.

The same event is told in Mark chapter 4, I found something very interesting, verse 36, “Leaving the crowd behind, they took Him along, just as He was in the boat. There were also other boats with Him.’ A furious squall came up…” They weren’t alone. These disciples had just a “LITTLE bit” of faith, but just enough to know to CRY OUT to Jesus! Yes, our faith should be big and strong, but sometimes we may only have enough to squeak out “HELP LORD!” Be assured that even our littlest cry for help – it DOES affect others! It says the wind died down and was completely calm. The water was calm for the others as well. Also, when the Lord instructed they get a move on across the water, He said, “Let us go to the other side.” If they were going to drown in the midst of the storm, He would have offered eulogies along with encouraging words of seeing them later in Paradise. They were going to the other.

Lastly, Struggling Faith: (Mark 9:20) the story of the father with the possessed son. (Picking up at verse 20) “So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. Jesus asks the father ‘How long has he been like this?” “Since childhood, it has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for him who believes.” (v24) Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (How many of us have said this!)

Interesting, at this point there was no VERBAL response from Jesus, He didn’t take him aside and tell the father, “There is a really good book you should read, ‘5 Easy Steps to Increase Your Faith’” – Jesus rebukes the evil spirit, “I command you to come out.” He took the boy by the hand and lifted him up.

It doesn’t say it in the narrative, but can you imagine the scene. The father says, “IF you can…” I believe but please help me believe more, increase my faith! Jesus turns with no words, and acts… you can almost hear the divine whisper, ‘WATCH ME!’ He heals the son.

We may have GREAT faith, like the Captain, ‘Just say the word Lord!” Awesome, use it, make it contagious. Or we may need some GUSTY/risky faith. We are on the outskirts, like the gal with the bleeding issue. May we come forward from the outskirts, be desperate enough to reach out and GRAB. Or you have ‘lil’ faith just enough to cry out for Jesus’ help. We may find our faith needs more, ‘I believe, but help my unbelief.’ Tell Him, and watch Him… LOOK for Him to move.

God not only is faithful to us, but faith FILLING. He continually pours into us. He offers opportunities, opportunities that stretch our faith, stretch our response. Just like the ‘fidelity’ when a situation arises, we offer a reflection of our faith.

Do we give a ‘pure audio’ of what we believe about God?

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds.” – Heb. 10:24)

Resources: Complete Word Study Dictionary of the OT & NT, Holman Word Treasury of Bible Words, Vines Expository of Hebrew & Greek Words, Strong’s Hebrew & Greek Dictionary, The Hayford Bible Handbook, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Vincent’s Word Studies of the NT, The Attributes of God by Arthur W. Pink, Wuest Word Studies of the NT, The Manners & Customs of the Bible, Hebrew/Greek Interlinear Bible, Bible Knowledge Commentary, Bible Background Commentary, Bible History of the OT, Walking in the Dust of Rabbi Jesus by Lois Tverberg, Living Beyond Yourself by Beth Moore. Bible Translations: King James Version, New International Version, New Living Translation, New American Standard, New King James Version, Holman Christian Standard Version, The Message, Hebrew/Greek Interlinear Bible, English Standard Version, Complete Jewish Bible. And any other geeky book or article I rummaged around in and forgot to mention.

Posted by Inspired Fountain | October 27, 2016 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: active faith, faith, Faithfulness | Leave a comment

Oh Merciful Patience!

“Patience is a virtue” they say, I’m not quite sure who ‘they’ are, but as I join the applause and celebrate this God-quality, I am so very aware of the ‘duck quick’ mentality we have for patience, the closest we get is ‘Hurry up and WAIT!’

Louisa (my co-teacher) and I rigged bible study this last week to help the gals ‘get into character’ for teaching on patience. Before entering the room, there was a sign that read (boringly so) “Form One Line and Take a Number” The gals did just that, took a number and stood along the wall. Louisa and I stood at the head of the line, smiling, chatting, drinking coffee and ever so ignoring the line forming. Then a few minutes PASS the time our gathering is to start, numbers were read off, “Numbers 1-3 you may go in…” Our goal as the women FINALLY took their seats was to simulate how quickly non-patience can occur. They felt the frustration with the circumstance and the personnel up front. Patience.

In the New Testament there are two main kinds of patience mentioned, and often seem to be interchangeable according to the different translations. “…bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father.” Paul, Col 1:10-12 (emphasis mine) Endurance, (‘hupomone’ in the Greek) is patience in circumstances, the quality of ‘steadfastness.’ Some would say … staying power. That is hupomone. This ‘staying power’ is motivated by HOPE. It is the characteristic of a man(or woman) who is not swerved from their deliberate purpose, sustaining through to the end. Keep, keeping on.

Endurance, perseverance, patience, we’ve heard it defined as ‘staying up under pressure.’ But it is much more, it isn’t just standing there, surviving (if you will) it is applying pressure, a leaning into. So when conflict or tough circumstances come our way, we don’t just merely stand there holding it up, we are leaning into it. What happens when we exert energy? Muscles are used and muscles are strengthened. Right? Metaphorically – our spiritual muscles are exercised and strengthened as we lean into – against in the midst of uncomfortable circumstances.

There is a prime example of endurance that pointed to hope in the Old Testament, Noah. Genesis chapter 8, they have been out on the water for a very long time, can you image all the ‘poo’ on board and how many rounds of ‘Row, row row your boat’ they sang. After 40 days Noah opens a window and sends a raven out, it flew around, coming back with nowhere to land. Later he sent out a dove, with the same results. Then, v10 “He waited seven more days and again sent out the dove from the ark.” Noah waited. Verse 11, When the dove returned to him in the evening, there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf! Then Noah knew that the water had receded from the earth. 12 He waited seven more days and sent the dove out again, but this time it did not return to him.” Looking at this we’d think Noah got really good at ‘waiting.’ But you see his waiting changes. After the lack of results the first couple of times, he waited and tried again, this ‘waiting’ is the Hebrew word, ‘kuhl’ (pronounced ‘cool’) which means to dance or writhe in pain… to twirl in motion, painting the picture of to ‘wring the hands.’ This is a painful waiting. But the next time, the dove he sent returned with an olive leaf in its beak. Verse 12, He waited seven more days and sent the dove out again. This ‘waited’ is completely different; it is ‘ya-hawl’ – HOPE. Noah waited with hope, gone are the wringing of the hands. He had hope! I love the end of verse 12, “But this time…” in the midst of HOPE. Isaiah speaks of this too, “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those … (BUT THOSE) who hope (ya-hawl) in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (40:29-31) The writer of Hebrews: “So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere (hupomone) so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.” (10:35,36) The King James says: “For ye have need of patience” We have to fulfill the ‘need’ to get the ‘you will.’

The fruit of the Spirit, is love, joy, peace… patience. God inspired the word Paul used here not ‘hupomone’ (though defiantly a quality of the Spirit, we determined that) BUT Paul uses ‘makrothumia.’ Makrothumia unlike hupomone which is patience in circumstances, inspired by hope, makrothumia is patience with PEOPLE, inspired by MERCY. Remember the parable Jesus tells in Matthew 18, the King has a servant who owed a large sum of money, when the debt was called, the servant fell on his knees before the King. “Be patient (Makrothumia) with me!” he begged. The King offered mercy, holding back punishment, releasing him. As soon as the servant went out, he found a friend that owed HIM money, he too called the debt, the friend begged the same, “Be patient with me…” But the servant refused mercy and put the friend in prison. The King heard of this, summoning the servant, stating I gave you mercy, shouldn’t you have given mercy as well. What an amazing picture, the unmerciful servant. Patience is motivated by mercy. May we too ‘remember when…’ When God has patience with us!

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.(Makrothumia) Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” (Col. 3:12-14, again I emphasis) And “I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, (makrothumia) bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Eph 4:1-3) Both verses seem to repeat… especially the phrase ‘bearing with one another.’ The word is ‘anecho’ in the Greek. It literally means ‘to put up with’ – but not just that, it is holding back, to hold in. STOP! Patience is not only about what we ‘DO’ but what we don’t. Patience is RESTRAINT. God’s mercy is withholding what we do deserve, where His grace is giving us what we do not. One hand pushes forward in giving, the other holds back in restraint. Patience.

“Take My yoke upon you. Let Me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” – Matt. 11:29-30 When fitting the ox with the yoke, it is BEST that the ox raises its head up into the yoke for the most comfortable and easy fit. This comes by time and trust, that the animal is willing to voluntarily lift their head to the master. If forced down by the master, the fit could cause irritation, causing the ox to lean, favoring one side and not work at full potential. Jesus says, ‘Take My yoke… for My yoke is easy to bear.” May we rise up into His yoke. God is SO patient with us.

To pray for patience sounds a bit risky (in all honesty) do we really want to point out, wave in the direction of patience? Perhaps we too, like Noah was, in a ‘painful waiting’, may God show us the ‘olive leaf’ leading us to hope! Let’s ask God to remind us of the patience & mercy He has for us. As the verses above declare, the bearing with one another is done in ‘love.’ Love through us Lord.

Patience.

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” – Heb. 10:24)

Posted by Inspired Fountain | October 17, 2016 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | 1 Comment

The Ruling Power of Peace

The ladies and I at bible study have been treading around in the Fruit of the Spirit, while we splash about, we found ourselves going from knee deep – to take a deep breath here we go! We’ve looked at love, joy and this week … peace.

“Shalom!” You may hear on the streets of Jerusalem, as a greeting or as waving good-bye, the gesture stating ‘Peace unto You” in Hebrew. Meaning, prosperity to you, but not in the sense that we know today, we think prosperity, “WHAOO! I’m rich!” Prosperity is wholeness, soundness, well-being WITH God.

As a quality of God, what is peace and how do we get some! When asked of others, they all answered with pretty much the same theme, “Peace is NOT having strife, turmoil or war.” Which is true, but peace is not just what we no longer have (strife, turmoil), or the absence of something, it is what we possess.

The word Paul uses in Galatians 5:22,23 as peace is ‘eirēnē’ (a-ray-nay) This peace is the recognition and acceptance of the redeeming power and authority of Jesus in my life. In short, (in the Greek) ‘to set at one again.’ Think about the picture it paints. Something that has once been erected has toppled over. Chaos, strife, irritation even war are the results. Once it is set back, PEACE is the result; all is in its rightful place. The gap between us and the Creator of the Universe has now been bridged. Ever feel that IRRITATION – and can’t seem to identify what or why? Consider looking for what, or (may I suggest) ‘Who’ has been toppled over.

Isaiah 9:6-7 The foretelling of Peace. “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end.” (bold emphasis mine)

The increase of peace accompanies the increase of Christ’s governing power over our lives. (read that again) Now consider Colossians 3:15 “Let the peace of Christ RULE in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” (Again adding emphasis) If I want peace in my heart, do I allow Jesus to RULE in my heart? He is King, yes indeed, but do I bow to Him as … King. Does my life behavior reflect my heart condition (or my words) declaring Him as King? Does He take the rightful place on the throne of my life? Do I place HIM in the very center of my circumstances? Here’s a dandy thought: We will know peace to the degree that we bow to Jesus’ authority.

In practical terms: Let’s say we put our ‘stuff’ in the middle of the room, walk around it dozens of times, call in others have them take a look at it, ask what THEY think, if we don’t like what they advise, we politely dismiss them and invite in others for another tour around our stuff. God’s way: We place it at the feet of Jesus (in the middle of the room – our lives) “What do YOU say Jesus?” And we go with what HE says. It is NOT about peaceful circumstances, it’s about the APPLIED authority of Christ. There will be times we may not have time to put it in the center and consider and pray. Ever hear that voice, you’re in a situation “OH DON’T YOU DO THAT!” Don’t you SAY that!” Do we STOP, and apply His ruling voice over us? If not heeded, you walk away and later you are unsettled? May I offer: Jesus would say, “I will minister My peace where I am in authority.” In the upset of obedience vs disobedience, His voice over our own, God doesn’t come to take sides, He comes to TAKE OVER.

How do we pray for peace? Ask Jesus to SHOW US, where something has toppled over, where we may have kicked Him off His rightful place. Once He shows us, take it and place it in the middle of the room, at His feet. Or move over, get off the throne, stop playing musical chairs and let Him back on the throne of our life. Remember, ‘Peace is like a river…’ (Is 66:12) NOT a pond, stagnant and settled. Unlike the river, that flows from the mountain top, always moving, always refreshing, always pure. “Peace like a river.” Flow Lord!

Peace, allowing Jesus the rightful place, the ruling place of our heart.

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds.” – Heb. 10:24)

Posted by Inspired Fountain | October 13, 2016 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: fruit of the Spirit, peace, Peace of God, Peace with God | Leave a comment

Rise Up Into His Yoke

Take My yoke upon you. Let Me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” – Matt. 11:29-30 When fitting the ox with the yoke, it is BEST that the ox raise its head up into the yoke for the most comfortable and easy fit. This comes by time and trust, that the animal is willing to voluntarily lift their head to the master. If forced down by the master, the fit could cause irritation, causing the ox to lean, favoring one side and not work at full potential.

Jesus says, “Walk with Me and work with Me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.” (The Message) May we rise up into His yoke, our Master, connected to Him, at our best, in full potential.

Learning the unforced rhythms of grace.

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds.” – Heb. 10:24)

Posted by Inspired Fountain | October 6, 2016 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Leave a comment

Joy is a Choice

I have the privilege of co-teaching the women’s bible study at our church, this week I offered the challenge to discern the difference between happiness and biblical joy. Before diving in, I asked the gals to close their eyes, when I say the word ‘chair’ what first comes to mind, what image do you see? Asking around the room we had quite a variety; from old wooden chairs to high wing backed, to a big white stuffed comfy chair. There was ‘my chair at work’ also ‘this chair right here next to me.’ One gal pictured her friend, who was the ‘Chair-man’ of an organization they both belonged to.

Perception. How we view things, people and circumstances. These primarily are defined by our senses, what we see, hear, and touch and we as women basically by what we …FEEL! I feel unhappy today, so today will be an unhappy day. So goes our day.

What is the American dream (in a nut shell) ‘The pursuit of happiness.’ Happiness, we all want it, desire it, seek after it and sometimes make extremely poor choices in attempt to …get it. Webster’s defines happiness as: The mental or emotional state of well-being defined by positive or pleasant emotions. What a cycle! So I FEEL happy, than I must BE happy! If I don’t FEEL happy, than I am not. In this cycle we tend to ‘whine.’ “I just want to b-e H-A-P-P-Y! I have a RIGHT to be happy! We even go so far as to DEMAND others make us happy. We are happy junkies!

Please don’t get me wrong, these emotions are real. But we cannot define our moment, our day and lives by the coming and going of these emotions. We get happiness and joy, God’s joy so confused. Happiness is the result of external happenings. What is done to me, around me. It is circumstantial, and circumstantial is temporary. So as soon as the circumstances change, our mood changes, our happiness shifts. Joy, biblical joy is the result of an internal heart condition (read that again). Joy is our response to God’s heart for us, understanding His presence, purpose and power in all He does and is in our life. Joy.

Oswald Chambers said, “The first thing that will hinder joy is the subtle irritability caused by giving too much thought to our circumstances.” Too much thought, we do that don’t we. We re-hash, revisit and restate finding ourselves in … remorse.

What is the reason for our joy? Luke chapter 10. Jesus had sent the 72 out to minister to the people, “… they returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in Your name.” (v17) Jesus replies, He saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning, and gave them authority to trample icky things and overcome all the power of the enemy. (paraphrased) Then, He continues, “HOWEVER, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (emphasis mine) He is saying all this stuff is not any biggy, BUT, your name written in heaven, in the Lambs book of Life, now THAT is to be rejoiced over! Salvation.

And who’s salvation is it? Psalms 51:12, King David had just been confronted by the prophet Nathan for his sinful behavior with Bathsheba, David responds, (beginning at v10) “Create in me a pure heart O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence or take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” John shares his vision in Revelation 7, the multitude “…cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” (v10) Amen, and amen. Salvation is God’s.

God holds the ownership of salvation, it is a gift, His gift of grace. It is His to give. Apart from the demand to take in happiness, grace is the privilege to accept what is offered. In the Greek, the word for joy is ‘chara’ and for grace, ‘charis.’ See how so very close they are? They are so entangled, it is like the price tag hanging from Minnie Pearls hat, it is always there, always attached. Everywhere I researched, joy pointed to grace and grace pointed to joy. Grace is the unmerited favor of God, the absolutely free expression of the loving kindness of God, His divine influence upon my heart and life. Saved by grace… the internal heart condition. Yes, this does indeed equal joy. Joy is living out a grateful response to grace.

Pausing for a moment, I want to add a side-note. In my studies I came across something that changed the colors in my understanding of the Fruit of the Spirit. I found that all (ALL) 9 qualities mentioned: Love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control, (breathe) are all ‘nouns.’ That’s right, all are rendered nouns in the original language. God deposits His qualities in us, we posses them. By His enabling power they turn from love to loving, from joy to rejoicing. Just like any other noun (person, place or thing) He can give us His ‘arm’ for example, a thing, we could take it and put it nicely on a shelf and declare ‘here sits the arm of God,’ or we could use the arm to serve, help (action) the noun now has function and purpose. Love and joy now have purpose; goodness finds purpose and action in showing kindness. We extend mercy to others through our patience. We always hear love is a verb. YES, it is. But in its deposited form it is something God gives us.

In 2 Cor 12:9 Paul said Jesus told him, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” Paul had an amazing understanding, a revelation in knowing Jesus. In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he opens chapter 3 with “Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord!” Then he goes on to explain that knowing Jesus is everything. This knowing is 1^st hand knowledge. In today’s society if we saw it on YouTube, we assume we KNOW it. I’m quite certain there is a HUGE difference from watching skydiving on YouTube – to actually being thrown out of a plane at 13,000 feet and free-falling. We’d KNOW skydiving. This is what Paul is talking about, “I consider everything a loss compared to the SURPASSING GREATNESS of knowing Jesus my Lord.”

But even in this, often we don’t have a knowledge problem but an OBEDIENCE problem. Remember in John chapter 20, Jesus appears to the disciples behind closed doors, (this following His death, and resurrection) later the disciples tell Thomas about it, (he wasn’t there) Thomas says, “Unless I see the nail marks in His hands and put my finger where the nails were, I will not believe…” Well a week later, (Go God!) Jesus appears again, this time Thomas ‘IS’ there. Before Thomas had a chance to say anything, Jesus tells him, “Put your finger here, and see My hands. Reach out your hand put it into My side. Stop doubting and believe.” What do you think would have happened if when Jesus told Thomas to look and touch, Thomas refused, looked away and left the room? (Pause, think on that) Our obedience steadily impacts our revelation. Our revelation of Who God is. Thomas did look & touch, His response, “My Lord & my God!” (yes, this is long, but keep reading)

The New International Dictionary of NT Theology (yes, I am a geek) explains the joy mentioned in Philippians (14x) as a ‘Continuous defiant NEVERTHELESS joy.’ Defiant joy. How many of us need us some DEFIANT JOY! Nevertheless, regardless, I WILL rejoice. Joy defies what we are ‘feeling’, defies our circumstances. Joy can even defy our pain. It is easy? NO! It is purposeful, is it chosen? YES! We take what God gave us and surrender and allow Holy Spirit to grow it in us, we grow from joy to rejoicing.

Psalm 30, David again pens, “For His anger lasts only a moment, but His favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” (v5) I love King Jimmy’s version, “Joy cometh…” Such hope. Just wait. It’s coming. Holding this thought: John 1:14 “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (jumping to verse 16) “From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another.” It literally reads in the original text: “We all have received grace and grace” (or ‘grace for grace’) What this means for us, as we stand in grace, the next step will be grace, then the next and the next. And just like Minnie Pearls hat, joy will be attached. Progressive joy. That joyful confidence in Who Jesus is, what He has done, and what He will continue to do and be. Joy cometh.

Can our joy be challenged? Yes. I have friend, his name is Robby. Robby and I worked together for about 4 years. We were as different as night and day, he nicknamed me, ‘Preacher Girl’ a name of endearment. When we first met, we chatted up a storm, the next day and the next. Then one day, he asked, “Why are you talking to me?” Hm, interesting question. “Um, why not” I replied. He said, “But you’re a Christian?” (I hadn’t told him, but you could tell) I said, “Yes.” He continued, “But, I’m gay.” (yes, you could tell) He told me when he ‘came out’ his family abandoned him. Over the course of the next 4 years, Robby and I had amazing conversations, I found out he was raised in the church, in high school he helped teach Sunday School. Robby knew.

One day he looked at me with his eyes welling up, and saying, “You are restoring my faith in the church.” Christians can be so mean. I was humbled. We had a strong understanding, boundaries were set, our lifestyles so very different. When he and his partner were going to Washington to get married legally, I told him I couldn’t go, he understood. Long story – short: We hadn’t worked together for over a year, but we kept in touch. Robby contacted me a few weeks ago, upset, stating his partner had left him for another. We talked, I prayed, I encouraged. I checked in with him often. He asked one day, “How do you do it, how do you know God doesnt give you more than you can handle?” I told him, you take one day, one moment at a time and you cry out to Him. I asked him if he could do that, he said he would try. Yesterday morning, a friend called to tell me Robby took his life on Monday, Oct 3^rd.

Can our joy be challenged? Yes. (Especially when we are teaching on this topic) After I hung up the phone, I broke down. My heart was broken. I loved that kid. You know, the first voice I heard , “Where is your joy NOW!” It enveloped me. I took pause. Then realizing where this was coming from, from the pit of hell, I boldly declared, “My joy is right where it was last night when I went to bed! My joy is right where it was when I woke up, and my JOY is right here, right now in Jesus Christ! I have NO doubt in Who and where Jesus is!” Defiant Joy! Nevertheless! Joy is a choice! Jesus said, “The thief comes ONLY to steal, kill and destroy…” (Jn 10:10 emphasis mine) It is my choice to ALLOW it to be taken away, taken from what I KNOW is true. Jesus is King, Lord, Master and the One to Whom I run. I rejoice in this. He is!

We learned that grace and joy belong to Jesus, He is the possessor and the Giver. Joy as opposed to its counterfeit, happiness, it is not a right, but a gift we freely accept through grace. Happiness is external, but true inner joy, is the calm delighted confidence, the knowing and continual connection with Jesus. Jesus says in John 15, to tap into His deep reservoir of joy, ‘Remain in Me.’

Standing before Pilate, just before His crucifixion. Pilate says, “You are a king than!” Jesus’ response, “You are right in saying I am a King.” (Jn 18:37) I believe those are some of the most profound words in red. May that be said of me (always) “You are right in saying I am a King.” May my life represent Him in such a way that love, and kindness are so evident, others see Him. May we all be like Paul, seeking to know Him, like Thomas stay, and receive the revelation of Who God is. “My Lord and my God.”

After this teaching, our worship leader came in, with acoustic guitar, we worshipped.

Grace. Joy cometh.

For Robby.

Posted by Inspired Fountain | October 5, 2016 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: Joy is a choice, the difference between happiness and joy. | Leave a comment

Our Turn

“The first thing Andrew did was to FIND his brother Simon and TELL him, “We have found the Messiah.” And he BROUGHT him to Jesus.” (John 1:41,42, emphasis mine) What amazing progression. But first, the narrative says, Andrew and John were with John the Baptist. John B points to Jesus saying, “Look the Lamb of God!” (Yes, there is an exclamation mark in the text!) The two guys turn and follow Jesus. They spend time with Him, THEN… found, told and brought.

Remember when someone pointed YOU to Jesus? You follow, spend time with Him…

Your turn, our turn: “Look the Lamb of God!” Find, tell-bring.

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” – Heb. 10:24)

Posted by Inspired Fountain | September 29, 2016 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: John 1 verses 41 42 | Leave a comment

Empty Handed

“I will praise You as long as I live and in Your name I will lift up my hands.” David, Psalm 63:4 Hands, literally means the ‘palm,’ emphasizing the EMPTY hand. “Be still and know I am God.” Ps 46:10 ‘Be still’ in the Hebrew conveys the imagery of ‘let it drop,’ cease striving with fisted hands. The hand that was once tight fisted, holding on to ‘stuff’ – we let it go! Giving God room to move, to fill and to use.

What’s in our hands? It could be a literal holding of something we need to give up to honor our love walk with Jesus, or metaphorically speaking those things we hold tight, whether a mindset, attitude or heart condition. What do we need to let go?

The empty palmed hand raised heavenward in prayer, symbolizing our longing to receive. Our empty hands clapping together in joy and applause, we praise.

Empty handed we come Lord.

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds.” – Heb. 10:24)

Posted by Inspired Fountain | September 22, 2016 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: Empty handed for God | 2 Comments

Just Breathe!

Walking into church, a bit tattered from the week that led to this day, I take my seat (5 rows back, first seat in) Placing my bible next to me, the first thing that captures my attention is the quiet melody coming over the sound system, it is familiar and soothing, “As the deer panteth…” It was then, I felt the Lord impress on me, “Just breathe!” As the worship began, we all stood, I closed my eyes and did just that: Took a deep breath. Overwhelmed with His presence, I was reminded of … the breath of God.

How often do we find ourselves in survival mode? Barely making it, you feel your existence evaporating with each step forward. As the day goes on you find yourself unsuccessfully reaching and grabbing for anything solid. Thinking if I can just make it through this day… through this season… to the next paycheck… see that person… BE that person … get this done, that done … clean this … lose this, gain that. BREATHE! Just breathe.

In pondering this, (it may sound totally silly) I began looking our breath and the ramifications of the lack of oxygen that takes place physically, how it affects us and how long it takes for a body to die. Not to be morbid or anything, but I feel it has quite a few similarities to our spiritual man.

In all the medical hymhaw, I found this quote: “A lack of oxygen to the heart muscle can cause heart attacks, and even if the individual survives the anoxic event (complete depletion of oxygen), there may be damage to the heart that proves deadly.” This doesn’t even speak of the damage to the brain. There are also ‘quiet’ symptoms that are attributed to a lack of oxygen as well: Depression, irritability and irrational behavior. Sound like your week? Just breathe!

Like that of our physical body, so it is with our spiritual man. We NEED to breathe. Without a constant intake of God, the ramifications can to prove damaging if not deadly. I believe we all have people in our lives that once were thriving active God-loving folks, but somehow, somewhere along their spiritual timeline, they stopped. They stopped reading God’s word, fellowshipping with other believers, stopped believing God and stopped breathing God. Now where are they?

Genesis 2:7 “And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and man became a living soul.” Our bodies were made of the dust – earth – biological. The soul was not made of the earth. So… earthly things cannot quench the hunger of the soul, (regardless of how much kale we eat!) nor can the soul continue to survive. It is only the breath of God that feeds and nurtures the spiritual man! Read that again. “It is ONLY the breath of God that feeds and nurtures the spiritual man!” It is divinely birthed and divinely maintained.

How often do we seek things, people, position even ‘events’ to satisfy our deep longing, and cravings. Without God’s breath and presence in our life, we are an empty dusty vessel. God initiated this for mankind, now we by invitation in turn seek that breath. Just breathe!

Paul spoke to this in 2 Timothy, “Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.” (3:15-17 – The Message) And the one who penned Hebrews wrote, “For the word of God is alive and powerful. (sound like breath?) It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God.” (4:12, emphasis mine)

If we are to survive, let alone THRIVE spiritually we need God’s presence and His word to do so. Have we found we can’t seem to catch our spiritual breath? Are we low in emotion, irritable and even find our self being irrational or treating others unkindly? Are we apathetic about spiritual things? Or how about walking to the ‘frig of life’ looking for something to satisfy us. When was the last time we quietly spent time with our God? Prayed, invited His presence, and opened His word, pursued Him, His qualities? Just breathe.

In the garden just before Jesus’ betrayal, with the disciples, He instructs them to sit and wait. Taking Peter, James and John He goes further, leaving them also behind. He goes on alone further still. He falls to the ground face down and prays, “FATHER...” May we too go further still…fall before our God in complete honesty and surrender. (Matt. 26:36-46)

Just breathe.

May I offer, click on this link: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJfzzFeA5OQ) Close your eyes, take a deep breath… allow this to sing over you, BE your prayer.

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” – Heb. 10:24)

Posted by Inspired Fountain | September 5, 2016 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: breath of God, God's word is breath | Leave a comment

New Study Coming

Ladies, as the bright yellow school buses again travel our early morning roads, it is our tendency to begin to settle into routine. Life gets busy and full. May we take a brief moment to mark our calendars for time set aside for the Word, study, fellowship and yes, potentially CHOCOLATE! (HAVE to add that)

We are launching a new season of bible study Tuesday nights (7pm) beginning September 20th, ‘Women of the Word’, meeting at East River Fellowship, here in Hillsboro Oregon. (East River Fellowship) We will be taking a deeper look at the qualities of God. Often we see these qualities, dust them off and place them on a shelf to admire, but do we truly walk in them. Love, humility, integrity, joy and yes PATIENCE (OH NO!) Join us as Louisa and I tag team teach as we pursue and inspire deeper lives for Jesus.

For more information, feel free to contact me at dede4him@gmail.com

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another one towards love & good deeds.” – Heb. 10:24)

Posted by Inspired Fountain | September 3, 2016 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: new bible study, qualities of God | Leave a comment

Entrusted

Oh ladies as part of the ‘Entrusted Launch Team’, I’m so excited! The new Beth Moore study ‘Entrusted’ (2 Timothy) is soon to be (officially) released Sept 1st. I have watched the first session and LOVE IT! Take a brief look here Brief look at Beth’s teaching (click on link) to get a taste of what is ahead. You can even watch each video session individually (available now for $4.99ea download to your computer) Individual video session info . At the same location you can purchase the workbook to go along with the study. Her workbooks are rich with insight as well as having YOU dig in and take a look at the verses. This is only a 6 week study, but will indeed make an impact!

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another towards love & good deeds.” – Heb. 10:24)

Posted by Inspired Fountain | August 31, 2016 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Leave a comment

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